Scott Hanko
Thomson's Gazelle
Gazella thomsonii
During migration, as tommies spread out over the plains in the wake of zebra and wildebeest herds, the strongest males set up territories. They use an exaggerated display posture when urinating or defecating on dung piles. To mark the boundaries the males deposit a small amount of secretion from their scent glands (located beneath the eyes) onto a blade of grass, leaving these markers daily about every 20 feet. As the herd migrates, new territories are established.
The females along with their immature offspring form groups of five to 50 that wander through male territories. The groups change members and numbers from hour to hour, so no obvious patterns of hierarchy or leadership emerge. Nonterritorial males gather together in small groups along the outskirts of the larger herd, generally avoiding other male territories unless one of the group attempts to take one over.
In the early morning and again in the evening, the herd, which may have spread out during the day, comes together. This is playtime for the younger gazelles, when they engage in stotting and pronking (bouncing along on stiff legs) and sprint around the perimeter of the herd.
The relatively silent tommies rely on visual awareness of one another to stay in contact. Their distinctive coloring may help-they can contract the skin so the black side stripe becomes more obvious. They also stamp their front feet to signal when they are disturbed.
Kilimanjaro Safari
Walt Disney World-Animal Kingdom-Orlando Fl.
Thomson's Gazelle
Gazella thomsonii
During migration, as tommies spread out over the plains in the wake of zebra and wildebeest herds, the strongest males set up territories. They use an exaggerated display posture when urinating or defecating on dung piles. To mark the boundaries the males deposit a small amount of secretion from their scent glands (located beneath the eyes) onto a blade of grass, leaving these markers daily about every 20 feet. As the herd migrates, new territories are established.
The females along with their immature offspring form groups of five to 50 that wander through male territories. The groups change members and numbers from hour to hour, so no obvious patterns of hierarchy or leadership emerge. Nonterritorial males gather together in small groups along the outskirts of the larger herd, generally avoiding other male territories unless one of the group attempts to take one over.
In the early morning and again in the evening, the herd, which may have spread out during the day, comes together. This is playtime for the younger gazelles, when they engage in stotting and pronking (bouncing along on stiff legs) and sprint around the perimeter of the herd.
The relatively silent tommies rely on visual awareness of one another to stay in contact. Their distinctive coloring may help-they can contract the skin so the black side stripe becomes more obvious. They also stamp their front feet to signal when they are disturbed.
Kilimanjaro Safari
Walt Disney World-Animal Kingdom-Orlando Fl.